THE GLAM STAY THE COOL STAY
QT GOLD COAST LIKE QT Hotels’ other properties around Australia and New Zealand, QT Gold Coast very much pays tribute to its locale.
While the Melbourne and Sydney properties are industrial and dramatic respectively, the Queensland offering, located a stone’s throw from Surfers Paradise beach, is light, bright and sassy.
We arrive with our two little boys in tow and they are delighted by the vintage panel van with surfboards on the roof and the branded Kombi parked in the drive, as well as the complimentary homemade lemonade station in the lobby.
After a speedy check-in, we head up to our Ocean View twin room with sweeping views of the beach, two queen beds, a kitchenette and bathroom with Malin+goetz products.
Our room also looks over the pool area and a mere glimpse of the water has the boys in a frenzy, so we change and head down for a dip. The pool is smaller than expected, but there is a host of children as well as couples and groups of all ages enjoying the water and glorious Gold Coast sunshine on sun lounges.
Although dinner at izakaya-style Japanese restaurant Yamagen would have been our choice sans kids, we later opt for room service and a movie with our waterlogged, tired boys instead.
The following morning, after a light breakfast at Bazaar restaurant, we hit the beach for a morning swim and then spend a few more hours at the pool before heading upstairs and dressing for QT’S famous Bazaar Brunch.
To be honest, I am not usually one for buffet dining but this marketplace-style foodie experience was definitely one of the highlights of our stay. There is a selection of dishes made to order as well as slow-roasted meats, fresh seafood, dumplings and fried chicken and waffles at various stations.
The kids were beside themselves when they caught sight of the chocolate fondue station with a huge selection of sweet treats.
Needless to say, we checked out in true Gold Coast relaxed mode with full bellies and happy hearts.
THE ISLAND Once a tired Surfers Paradise budget hotel, The Islander reopened as The Island in 2017 following an extensive renovation.
Maintaining a playful sense of nostalgia with a fresh, relevant new look, this boutique 98-room hotel is a stylish base from which to explore the surf city.
The new twin suites are ideal for families, with a king and queen bed, fully equipped kitchenettes, dining area, private balconies and views over Surfers Paradise or the Gold Coast hinterland.
The kids will love the pool area, which has chic striped umbrellas, and is home to Goldie’s bar and restaurant should you feel like a cheeky cocktail and some lunch poolside. There’s also an open-air rooftop bar and restaurant that has become an institution for a Sunday session or an alfresco meal.